Hosting for the Kentucky Derby or a casual bourbon-night? You can make a showstopping Derby cheese board with bourbon pairings that looks polished and tastes southern-soulful. This guide walks you through what to gather, how to build the board, and which bourbons match each bite.
You’ll learn quick measurements, step-by-step assembly, and simple styling tips so your Derby cheese board with bourbon pairings is ready in under 30 minutes. Follow the steps below and you’ll have a pin-worthy spread that pairs perfectly with minty juleps or neat pours.
What You'll Need (Ingredients + Tools)
- Cheeses: 1 firm (Manchego, 4 oz), 1 soft (Brie, 6 oz), 1 aged cheddar (4 oz)
- Charcuterie: 4 oz prosciutto, 3 oz salami
- Accents: 1/3 cup marcona almonds, 1/4 cup mixed olives, 3 tbsp fig jam, honey, grainy mustard
- Produce: 1 small green apple (sliced), a handful of grapes, rosemary sprigs
- Tools: 12–16 inch wooden board, 2–3 cheese knives, small spoons, cocktail picks, napkins
Tip: Buy slightly more charcuterie than you think — guests graze. Keep cheeses cool until 20–30 minutes before serving.
Preparing and Arranging Ingredients
- Bring cheeses to room temperature for 20–30 minutes — flavor opens up.
- Pre-slice firm cheeses into wedges and place soft cheese whole with a knife.
- Use small bowls for jams, olives, and nuts to keep the board tidy.
- Create thirds: Divide board visually into three zones for cheeses, meats, and accoutrements.
Assembly tips:
- Start with the largest items (cheeses), then tuck meats around them.
- Fill gaps with fruit, nuts, and herbs for color and texture.
- Leave space for bourbon glasses — they’re part of the presentation.
Pairing Cheeses with Bourbon
Match textures and flavors by bourbon proof and oak notes:
- Manchego + wheated bourbon: The nutty, sheep-milk cheese pairs well with softer wheated bourbons. Try a 1 oz neat pour to taste.
- Brie + oaky, barrel-forward bourbon: Creamy brie balances caramel and vanilla—serve 1 oz with a honey drizzle.
- Aged cheddar + high-rye bourbon: Sharp cheddar stands up to spicy rye-forward bourbons. Offer 1 oz neat or with an ice cube.
Serving measurements:
- Standard tasting pour: 1 oz per pairing
- For guests comparing, offer small tasting cards and additional water.
Warning: Don’t overwhelm a single cheese with several bourbons — keep pairings simple: one cheese, one bourbon.
Styling, Make-Ahead Tips, and Serving
- Make-ahead: Slice firm cheeses and keep airtight up to 24 hours. Assemble board 15 minutes before guests arrive.
- Quick fixes: If board looks sparse, add handfuls of grapes or extra nuts. Use rosemary sprigs for height.
- Transport: Place board on a non-slip mat in a shallow tray. Keep bourbon bottles separate until serving.
- Clean-up tip: Line a small bowl with parchment for sticky jams to make clearing simple.
Final plating trick: drape prosciutto instead of piling it — it reads elegant and saves space.
Bonus: Simple Variations
- Vegetarian option: Swap charcuterie for marinated artichokes and roasted peppers.
- Spicy angle: Add pickled jalapeños and pair with a bolder rye bourbon.
You’ve got everything needed to build a Derby cheese board with bourbon pairings that’s both handsome and delicious. Pin this guide for your next race day or bourbon night, save it for later, and share it with friends who’ll love the pairing ideas. Which bourbon-cheese match will you try first? Ready to make this happen? Let's do it!